The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, has directed the President of Owhase Community to produce within 24 hours a man alleged to have raped an 11-year-old Primary Five pupil, warning that anyone shielding the suspect would be held accountable under the law.
Oyibode issued the ultimatum on Friday during a visit to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Division, where he met with the victim and officers investigating the alleged sexual assault.
Describing the incident as a grave violation of a child’s rights, the council chairman said the suspect must be brought to justice without delay, expressing concern that he remained at large despite ongoing efforts to apprehend him.
He alleged that the Owhase Community President had failed to cooperate with authorities in facilitating the suspect’s arrest, warning that any action capable of frustrating investigations could amount to aiding and abetting a criminal suspect.
“The rape of a child is a serious criminal offence that must not be swept under the carpet. Anyone protecting the suspect will answer for it before the law,” Oyibode said.
The council chairman also appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, to provide pro bono legal representation for the victim to ensure diligent prosecution of the case.
Oyibode further alleged that the victim’s parents and the President of Owhase Community initially sought to suppress the incident instead of reporting it promptly to security agencies.
He warned that any individual found to have concealed the alleged crime would face the full weight of the law, stressing that protecting children from sexual abuse is a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of families, communities and relevant institutions.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of children’s rights, Oyibode assured residents that the Udu Local Government Council would continue to support law enforcement agencies in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are apprehended and prosecuted.
As of the time of filing this report, the victim had made a statement to investigators, while efforts by security agencies to arrest the suspect were continuing.
